Removing and installing portable storage containers

ABSTRACT

Methods, apparatuses, and systems provide, remove, and install a portable storage container (PSC) from and onto a vehicle. A system includes at least two powered jacks communicatively associated with one another. Each powered includes an engagement member formed to lift or lower the PSC, a post movably engaged with the engagement member and mounted to and extended from a support base, and a powered mechanism operatively connected to at least one power source and the engagement member to move the engagement member up or down the post. The system may also include wiring integrated within the PSC that connects the powered mechanism to the power source and communicatively associates the powered jacks with one another. Still further, the system includes a release and mount mechanism external to and integrated with the PSC to secure or release the PSC to or from the vehicle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This utility patent application claims the benefit under 35 UnitedStates Code § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.60/774,021 filed on Feb. 15, 2006 which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Portable and transferable containers, such as those removably attachedto communications service vehicles, can be problematic and cumbersome toremove and install on other vehicles when a communications servicevehicle needs servicing or breaks down. As fleet service vehicles age,they break down and are serviced at a higher frequency. When servicevehicles fail or require routine maintenance, the equipment stored onthe vehicle must either be moved to another vehicle or taken out ofservice. Thus, the equipment is stored on the vehicle while the vehicleis being serviced. This continued storage can cause loss of theequipment and/or underutilization.

Typically, equipment is manually moved to another vehicle when acommunications vehicle needs servicing, such as for preventivemaintenance (PM). Conventional container removal systems utilize onlymanual jacks to lift the container thereby making the removal processlengthy. Another conventional design feature that contributes to thecumbersome and lengthy removal of storage containers is the nut and boltinternal detachment of connection mechanisms. Conventional containersystems require a user to detach the container from the vehicle frominside the container. This causes further delay and required access tosecured tools or equipment. Thus, when containers have to be removed orservice technicians have to use another truck, risky access to the toolsand equipment in that truck is inevitable. This also creates issues withservice to paying customers and accountability and security for theequipment and tools.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an equipment container on powered jackswhere the powered jacks are operated by a controller according to anillustrative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one powered jack according to anillustrative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an equipment container prior to removalfrom a service vehicle with powered jacks;

FIGS. 4-5 illustrate top and side views of a rigid tow-bar for use inremoving a vehicle from underneath an equipment container; and

FIGS. 6-8 illustrate side and rear views of an equipment containerequipped with rollers or casters and a side and top view of a body cartused to remove and/or install the equipment container with rollers orcasters.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As briefly described above, embodiments of the present inventionprovide, remove and/or install portable storage containers (PSCs) fromor onto vehicles. In the following detailed description, references aremade to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in whichare shown by way of illustrations specific embodiments or examples.These embodiments may be combined, other embodiments may be utilized,and structural changes may be made without departing from the spirit orscope of the present invention. The following detailed description istherefore not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of thepresent invention is defined by the appended claims and theirequivalents.

Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals refer to likeelements through the several figures, aspects of the present inventionand an exemplary operating environment will be described. The inventionmay be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks areperformed by remote processing devices that are linked through acommunications network. In a distributed computing environment, programmodules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Embodiments of the invention may be implemented as a computer process, acomputing system, or as an article of manufacture such as a computerprogram product or computer-readable medium. The computer programproduct may be a computer storage media readable by a computer systemand encoding a computer program of instructions for executing a computerprocess. The computer program product may also be a propagated signal ona carrier readable by a computing system and encoding a computer programof instructions for executing a computer process. These and variousother features as well as advantages will be apparent from a reading ofthe following description and a review of the associated drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view 100 of a PSC 230 on powered jacks 210 wherethe powered jacks 210 are operated by a controller 215 according to anillustrative embodiment of the present invention. The PSC 230 that fitson a vehicle is created. This PSC 230 can be removed from the vehicle ina fast and safe manner without the need to open the container. Becausesome of these PSCs can weigh many hundreds of pounds, the powered jacks210, such as electric or hydraulic jacks, are connected into the PSC230. Each powered jack 210 can be wired separately, joined to a powersource 211 via wiring 207, and associated with the controller 215.Alternatively, integrating wiring into the PSC 230 to control themultiple electric jacks 210 will eliminate the need for separate wiringbetween jacks 210.

Still further, embodiments of the present invention synchronize motors205 of the electric jacks 210 using various methods. For instance, thepowered jacks 210 are manipulated via the wired and/or wirelesscontroller 215 and devices in the PSC 230 and/or vehicle. For example, aradio interface can be incorporated between the powered jacks 210 forcoordination or synchronization. Each alternative allows the jacks 210to work in tandem. A computing device, such as the controller 215 forthe powered jacks 210, typically includes at least some form ofcomputer-readable media. Computer readable media can be any availablemedia that can be accessed by the controller 215. By way of example, andnot limitation, computer-readable media might comprise computer storagemedia and communication media.

Computer storage media includes volatile and nonvolatile, removable andnon-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storageof information such as computer readable instructions, data structures,program modules or other data. Computer storage media includes, but isnot limited to, RAM, disk drives, a collection of disk drives, flashmemory, other memory technology or any other medium that can be used tostore the desired information and that can be accessed by the controlmechanism 215.

Communication media typically embodies computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated datasignal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includesany information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means asignal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed insuch a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example,and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as awired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such asacoustic, RF, infrared, and other wireless media. Combinations of any ofthe above should also be included within the scope of computer-readablemedia. Computer-readable media may also be referred to as computerprogram product.

The controller 215 may include actual switches to operate the poweredjacks 210. This controller 215 lifts and lowers the jacks 210. Thecontroller 215 may be equipped with a single switch to move the jacks210 in concert or it may include a switch for each jack 210 to enable auser to move each jack 210 separately or in concert. For instance, thecontroller 215 may include four toggle switches. A user can hit all fourat the same time to raise them up or, he can move each jack upindividually if he wanted to raise one a little higher than the other.It should be appreciated that the controller 215 may be a wireless orwired unit that synchronizes the jacks 210. Still further, in thealternative, each jack 210 may include its own power source such as abattery where each jack 210 is synchronized by the wireless controller215 via a communications system including the jacks 210, the PSC 230,the vehicle, and/or the wireless controller 215.

Embodiments of the present invention may also include a release andmount mechanism 220 outside of the PSC 230 for ease of access forattachment and detachment of the PSC 230 to and from the vehicle andintegrated wiring in the PSC 230 between electric jacks 210 to simplifyremoval and simplify jack design since no loose wiring 207 would berequired between the powered jacks 210. These concepts are applied tonot only pick-up trucks, but to bucket trucks and other types ofvehicles, including vans and U-bodies (small utility trucks). Once thePSC 230 is lifted up, the vehicle or truck is moved out of the way andthen a new truck is put underneath the PSC 230. The PSC 230 is thenlowered onto the truck and attached via the release and mount mechanism220. The release and mount mechanism 220 comes down and pulls against orgrabs the edge of the truck. The mechanism 220 includes a bolt thattakes approximately 4 turns to detach or attach the PSC 230 to avehicle. For security purposes the bolt can be equipped with aspecialized head requiring the use of a specialized wrench with anextension for removing the PSC 230.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view 200 of one powered jack 210 according to anillustrative embodiment of the present invention. The powered jacks 210include a flat support plate 213 or a tripod at the bottom of the jacks210, as also shown in FIG. 1. The one or more powered jacks 210 arecommunicatively associated with one another. Each of the one or morejacks 210 includes a post 202 including a powered mechanism, such as theelectric motor 205 attached. The motor 205 moves a jack engagementmember 212 formed to engage the PSC 230 for lifting or lowering the PSC230 up and down the post 202, such as with a worm gear, planetary gears,or direct drive. The post 202 is movably engaged with the engagementmember 212 and mounted to and extended from the support plate 213. Themotor 205 is operatively connected to at least one power source and theengagement member 212 therein moving the engagement member 212 up ordown the post 202. The jacks 210 may be made of metal such as steeland/or an aluminum composite or alloy, depending on desired strengthand/or weight.

The electric motor 205 may be connected to a power source and the otherjacks 210 via the wiring 207. In an alternative embodiment the wiring207 may plug directly into wiring integrated within the PSC 230 with aconnector near the release and mount mechanism 220. The power source 211may include a separate battery 211 as shown in FIG. 1 or a power sourcefrom a vehicle 304 shown in FIG. 3, such as an alternator, battery, orvia a pig tail, the trailer socket on the vehicle 304. FIG. 3 is aperspective view of the PSC 230 prior to removal from the servicevehicle 304 with the powered jacks 210. Power sources with a twelve (12)volt rating may be sufficient to lift the container 230 with the jacks210. AC or DC current may be used. The PSC 230 includes indentedsections or jack lift points 307 to receive the jack engagement member212. The wiring 207 goes from one jack 210 to another and connects thejacks 210 together.

The sequential steps for using the apparatus, the jacks 210, the releaseand mount mechanism 220 and the PSC 230 include a variety ofmethodologies. For instance, when there are several vehicles, forexample 40, at a work center location, a set of powered jacks 210 areleft at the work center. A staging location is made available where thetrucks or vehicles are pulled into so the jacks would not have to bemoved around the yard.

In another embodiment, a work center where there are four or five trucksmay have jacks 210 that are kept in a base or shuttle vehicle from acentral garage. The driver would drive the shuttle vehicle with thejacks 210 with him. He jacks up the PSC 230, pulls the truck out thatneeds to be maintained, puts the shuttle truck he drove down underneaththe PSC 230 as the vehicle that will now be married to the PSC 230, andthen drives the other vehicle back for maintenance and/or service. Thus,instead of making four trips to swap entire vehicle and PSC 230assemblies per maintenance or repair cycle, he only makes two trips permaintenance or repair cycle. Other benefits include time savings, lessmileage and fuel use, less operator and labor expense, and less vehiclewear and tear. Once the PSC 230 is installed on the shuttle truck, thedriver puts the jacks 210 in the truck that needs maintenance and drivesit back to the central garage. That truck he drives back may not beredeployed again until he has to go out and get another truck that needsto be maintained. The trucks will change but the PSC 230 will stay atthe same location.

This aspect also helps in the area of accountability because only thetechnician assigned to a PSC 230 will use the PSC 230. Also, when a newservice truck is brought to a driver, all current damages on the truckare listed on a note left with the truck. The note will also list ifthere is no current damage to the truck. When the truck is picked upagain, it is expected to be the same way. If not, it is reported and thedriver is accountable for the damage.

According to an illustrative embodiment, when the driver from thecentral garage approaches a vehicle, the first thing that he would do ismake sure he has a level area. Then he puts the jacks 210 in place andpowers them up. Next, the PSC 230 is disconnected from the vehicle usingthe release and mount mechanism from the outside of the PSC 230. Eachbolt is turned approximately four and a half turns to unlock the PSC 230from the truck. He then installs the one or more jacks 210. The jack 210slips into the cavities created by the jack lift points 307 on the sideof the PSC 230. In one example, the engagement member 212 on the top ofthe jack 210 is four to five inches wide by about eight inches deep. Theengagement member 212 plate slides into the cavity of the PSC 230 at alljack lift points 307.

Next the wiring 207 are connected to energize the jacks 210, forinstance by plugging them into the socket at the back end of the truck,the connector. Next the controller 215 is used to raise the PSC 230 up,approximately three (3) inches. Next, the technician pulls the truckout, parks it, pulls the other truck back in, and then reverses thesteps to lower the PSC 230. Next, the unit is lowered down, the jacks210 are removed, and the PSC 230 is secured to the end of the truck. Anindicator may be present to assure a user that the PSC 230 is lockeddown. A user can just look at the indicator and know that the PSC 230 islocked down. For instance, a white color on the indicator could mean thePSC 230 is locked down or a red color could indicate that the PSC 230 isnot locked down.

FIGS. 4-5 illustrate top and side views of a rigid tow-bar 400 for usein removing a vehicle from underneath a PSC 230. If the truck is beingchanged out because it will not start and a tow truck is not available,a tow-bar may be necessary to remove the disabled truck that will notstart. The tow-bar 400 connects to the front of the disabled vehicle402, via one or more pins 407, and the rear of the replacement truck404. The tow-bar 400 may connect to a pintel hook 410 of the replacementtruck 404.

FIGS. 6-8 illustrate side and rear views of a PSC 530 equipped withwheels, rollers including, but not limited to, ball bearings, or casters502 and a side and top view of a body cart 507 used to remove and/orinstall the PSC 530 with roller wheels or casters 502 rotatably engagedwith a bottom surface of a body cavity of the PSC 530 in order to rollthe PSC 530 onto or away from a surface of a vehicle 532. The PSC 530may be equipped with jack lift points 533. However, the PSC 530 can bedetached from a vehicle 532 using a release and mount mechanismaccessible from outside the PSC 530, and rolled back onto the body cart507 on the casters 502. In the alternative, it should be appreciatedthat the rollers or casters may be embodied in the surface of thevehicle 532 and in a top surface of the body cart 507 to roll a PSC notequipped with rollers off and onto the vehicle 532.

The body cart 507 includes a backstop 508, a height adjustment jack 511and cross supports 517. The body cart 507 also includes guides 510 toguide the PSC 530 onto the body cart 507. It should be appreciated thatthe number of casters 502 or jacks 511 may vary according to a design ofthe lift or removal/installation system. The PSC 530 may come equippedwith wiring instead of the wires being transported with the jacks 511.

Embodiments of the present invention can be used with any vehicle and avariety of PSC designs including bucket trucks. For instance, a base ofbucket trucks with the cabinets or the storage bins detachable from thetruck can use the same concept. The storage bins are removed from thetruck and placed with another base vehicle.

Still further, communications systems, such as GPS tracking, can beinstalled in a PSC instead of the vehicle, thus, avoiding the need forsystem updates when a technician changes vehicles. This way a databaseor communications system, such as the GPS tracking system, does not haveto be updated because the PSC or the toolbox would always be with thedriver. For instance, an ICU Unit that is usually located in the back ofa truck behind the seat can be moved to the PSC.

As briefly described above, a variety of containers and vehicles canutilize embodiments of the present invention, for example, trailers thatare used for fiber splicing. It should be appreciated that hydraulicsand/or air may be used as an alternate power source for the jacks.

Thus, the present invention is presently embodied as methods, systems,apparatuses, computer program products or computer readable mediumsencoding computer programs for providing, removing, and installing a PSCfrom and onto a vehicle.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications or variations may be made in the present invention withoutdeparting from the scope or spirit of the invention. Other embodimentsof the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the artfrom consideration of the specification and practice of the inventiondisclosed herein.

1. A system for removing and installing a portable storage container(PSC) from and onto a vehicle, the apparatus comprising: at least twopowered jacks communicatively associated with one another, each poweredjack comprising: an engagement member formed to engage the PSC forvertically moving the PSC; a post movably engaged with the engagementmember and mounted to and extended from a support base; and a motoroperatively connected to at least one power source and the engagementmember and for vertically moving the engagement member relative to thepost, thereby vertically moving the PSC.
 2. The system of claim 1,further comprising wiring integrated within the PSC wherein the motor isconnected the power source and the powered jacks are communicativelyassociated with one another via the wiring.
 3. The system of claim 1,further comprising a release and mount mechanism external to andintegrated with the PSC wherein the PSC is attached to or detached fromthe vehicle via the release and mount mechanism without having to openan internal area of the PSC.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein therelease and mount mechanism includes a bolt for use in releasablysecuring the PSC to the vehicle and wherein the bolt is equipped with aspecialized head requiring use of a specialized wrench to remove thebolt from the PSC.
 5. The system of claim 1, further comprising acontroller communicatively associated with the powered jacks wherein thecontroller comprises one or more control switches that operate thepowered jacks.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the controller isequipped with a single switch that initiates lifting and lowering of allthe powered jacks in concert.
 7. The system of claim 5, wherein thecontroller is equipped with a plurality of switches that comprise fourtoggle switches, each toggle switch operatively associated with apowered jack.
 8. The system of claim 5, wherein the controller comprisesa wireless unit that synchronizes the powered jacks.
 9. The system ofclaim 5, wherein the controller comprises a wireless control mechanismand the at least one power source comprises a plurality of powersources, each power source operatively associated with one of thepowered jacks; and wherein the powered jacks are synchronized via thewireless controller.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the power sourcecomprises one of the following: a battery separate from the PSC and thevehicle; an alternator integrated with the vehicle or the PSC; a batteryintegrated with the vehicle or the PSC; and a power source accessed viaa trailer socket on the vehicle.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein thesupport base comprises a flat plate.
 12. The system of claim 1 whereinthe powered mechanism comprises an electric motor.
 13. A method forremoving or installing a portable storage container (PSC) from or onto avehicle, the method comprising: engaging at least two powered jacks withthe PSC, wherein the powered jacks are communicatively associated witheach other; vertically moving the PSC relative to the vehicle;synchronizing the powered jacks to move the PSC in a vertical directionrelative to the vehicle; and releasably securing the PSC to the vehicle.14. The method of claim 13, wherein engaging the at least two poweredjacks comprises: positioning an engagement member of each jack into alift location cavity on a side of the PSC; and energizing the at leasttwo jacks by associating the jacks with a power source.
 15. The methodof claim 13, wherein vertically moving comprises detaching the PSC byloosening a release and mount mechanism integrated with the PSC from thevehicle and the method further comprising: attaching the PSC bytightening the release and mount mechanism to the vehicle; andindicating whether the release and mount mechanism is locked.
 16. Themethod of claim 13, wherein synchronizing the powered jacks to move thePSC comprises: adjusting each of the powered jacks according tocommunication received from a control box wherein the control boxcomprises at least one of a switch associated with each powered jacks.17. A portable storage container (PSC) for facilitating efficientremoval or installation of the PSC from or onto a vehicle, the PSCcomprising: a body cavity; a plurality of casters rotatably engaged witha bottom surface of the body cavity in order to roll the PSC along asurface of the vehicle; and a release and mount mechanism integratedwith the PSC for releasably securing the PSC to the vehicle.
 18. The PSCof claim 17, wherein the release and mount mechanism is accessedexternal to the PSC.
 19. The PSC of claim 17, further comprising a bodycart for receiving the PSC upon removing the PSC from the vehicle,wherein the body cart comprises: a backstop to prevent the PSC fromrolling off the body cart; a height adjustment jack to vertically movethe body cart relative to the vehicle; and guides to guide the PSC ontothe body cart.
 20. The PSC of claim 17, wherein the PSC furthercomprises a GPS tracking system.